The City of Markham’s proposed budget for 2024 is $590.5 million.
Markham will have a $281.4 million primary operating budget. It is primarily funded through property taxes and supports general day-to-day operations and service delivery.
The proposed property tax rate increase in 2024 is 2.99%. This represents an increase of $39.98 on the City portion of the tax bill for the average home in Markham. Markham continues to have the lowest average tax rate increase in the GTA over 19 consecutive years.
$118.3 million in capital funding to deliver 271 projects supporting a wide array of City programs and services.
$43.8 million of the capital budget relates to new infrastructure to service Markham’s growing communities. This includes projects such as new road widening and construction, parks, trails, green spaces, and pedestrian crossings and traffic signals.
$74.5 million is to keep the existing community infrastructure in a good state of repair. This includes projects to repair and refurbish existing roads, recreation, library and cultural facilities and amenities, and improve stormwater infrastructure.
A 3.5% water rate increase is included to support water and wastewater services, representing an increase of $35.26 for the average home in Markham. The majority of this increase results from the cost of purchasing water from the City of Toronto, through York Region.
New in 2024, Markham is introducing a new program to help keep seniors healthy and aging in place. The Low-Income Seniors Property Tax Assistance Program will support low-income seniors with an interest free repayment plan to help them clear their tax arrears.
Markham will continue to manage growth by building infrastructure that builds complete, safe and connected communities. Investments include:
$33.6 million for road widening and construction
$4.5 million for sidewalks
$1.7 million for traffic signals and pedestrian crossings
$3.1 million for new parks (Cornell Centre East and West Parkettes, Innovation and Songbird Parks and James Cochrane Park Expansion)
$3.0 million for new trails (Markham Centre and Rouge Valley)
$74.5 million of the 2024 capital budget will maintain our existing assets in a state of good repair, prepare for changing climate conditions and support our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Key examples include:
$10.4 million for repair and rehabilitation for recreation and cultural facilities and related amenities
$5.4 million for asphalt resurfacing and curb, sidewalk and parking lot repairs
$1.3 million for facility upgrades and artificial turf replacement for Mount Joy Sports Dome
$1.2 million for refurbishing basketball, tennis and pickleball courts
$1 million for roofing at City facilities
30-year Flood Control Program - $8.2 million for Don Mills Channel stormwater management pond – Construction
$1.2 million - tree canopy and Trees for Tomorrow Program
$1.4 million for HVAC replacement and building automation system upgrades
The City continues to transform and modernize service delivery and test new technology.
Highlights include:
$2.2 million for a new Customer Relationship Management system, to modernize and improve customer service provided by the Contact Centre and City departments
$1.1 million for City website and new mobile capability
$2.5 million in grant funding to pilot leading edge mobility solutions in Markham Centre from Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone
The City strives to be welcoming, inclusive and accessible to meet the needs of our diverse community.
The City and Destination Markham Corporation will co-host the 50th anniversary of the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) 2024 Hockey Tournament, welcoming over 4,000 young Indigenous athletes and their families during March Break
$2.8 million will fund upgrades and improve accessibility in parks and playgrounds to meet AODA requirements
In 2024, we will refresh our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to improve accessibility in the City
$0.3 million will help grow and strengthen our workforce in high-demand areas including:
Partnering with the Mentorship Initiative for Indigenous and Planners of Colour (MIIPOC) to offer internship opportunities for aspiring planning professionals
Internship opportunities in engineering, legal and finance, with preference given to Markham residents
January 29, 2024 – Mayor Frank Scarpitti tables proposed Budget 2024 - This is the first City of Markham budget under new strong mayor powers which were assigned to Markham in 2023.
February 15, 2024 at 7 PM - Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the budget, including the water/wastewater rate, during a Public Meeting.
February 28, 2024 – Discuss any budget amendment(s) and Council vote.